(Article courtesy of Anna Oraiza T. Aban, Marketing Manager – Philippine Office, Israel Ministry of Tourism)
“Tel Aviv-Jaffa is undeniably Israel’s vibrant culinary heart, where the fusion of flavors from Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East creates an extraordinary dining experience like no other. From world-class restaurants to lively food markets, the city’s dynamic and ever-changing food scene is a must-visit for every traveler. We invite Filipino tourists to embark on a journey that blends rich cultural and historical pilgrimage experiences with the unparalleled culinary delights. Savor the authentic tastes of Israel, explore its vibrant culture, and discover the flavors that make it truly unique.”
For many tourists, gourmands and locals, Tel Aviv-Jaffa is arguably Israel’s culinary capital, with a wide variety of dining opportunities – from gourmet chef and specialty restaurants right through to delicious street food and food markets. This culinary scene is forever changing, with new restaurants opening all the time. Here is a select few of the newest culinary options on the Tel Aviv scene, offering tourists a gourmet journey through Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Dé FACTO – A New Chef Restaurant Opens at Poli Urban Hotel
Dé FACTO, the recently opened chef restaurant at the Poli Urban Hotel in Tel Aviv, offers a unique fusion of fine dining, live music, an elegant 1920s Paris-inspired ambiance, and a creative cocktail menu. Led by Chef Hai Tzarum, the menu presents a modern interpretation of Yemeni cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
Dé FACTO offers a dynamic all-day experience, from a lavish brunch, through evening cocktails to an exclusive fine dining atmosphere at night.
Chakoli: A New Seafood Restaurant Elevating the Beach Experience in Tel Aviv
Chakoli, a new seafood tapas restaurant in Tel Aviv located directly opposite the Mediterranean with indoor and outdoor seating, offers a unique dining experience inspired by Spanish cuisine.
The partners behind the venture are well-known Tel Aviv restaurateurs Chef Guy Gamzu, Mosh Budnik and Itzik Hangel, all bringing extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Chef Yarden Shay has curated a menu featuring fresh fish and seafood with Spanish influences. The menu includes fresh oysters, raw fish dishes such as sashimi and carpaccio, grilled octopus with lima beans, as well as classic Spanish dishes such as Jamón Melón and Tortilla de Patatas.
The restaurant features a spacious central bar, where visitors can enjoy music and food while watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen, and an open deck bringing the sea directly into the heart of the experience.
ZO – A New Asian Chef Restaurant in Tel Aviv’s Soho District
A new 120 seat Asian chef restaurant recently opened on Rothschild Boulevard’s vibrant Soho district. Combining a luxurious dining experience with an international ambiance. Led by restaurateur Yaki Kabir and Dr. Amir Zarach, ZO offers culinary creations inspired by Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, under the direction of one of Israel’s most successful Asian chefs, Don Tran.
Carefully curated over the past months, ZO’s menu blends Asian culinary traditions with innovative techniques, with each dish telling a unique story and offering a feast of flavors, textures, and colors.
Gila & Nancy
Born from a dream of Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani and the queer party collective PAG, Gila (the restaurant) and Nancy (the bar) are in the Play Hotel, near the Gan Hahashmal neighborhood. A fusion of elegance, beauty, and glam, intertwined with underground culture, fashion, music, nightlife, and queer expression, the restaurant and bar celebrate uniqueness.
“I was what I wanted to be—now it’s your turn to be…”
This quote by Gila Goldstein, Israel’s first transgender woman, was painted on the restaurant’s window on opening day by Eyal Shani, serving as a daily reminder of the vision behind Gila & Nancy.
Both spaces are named after Gila Goldstein and Nancy Schneider, two of Israel’s first transgender pioneers, who inspired freedom and self-expression for the LGBTQ+ community in Israel and beyond.
The growing number of Filipino tourists visiting Israel, with approximately 900 arrivals from January to February 2025, highlights the strengthening ties and mutual interest between the two nations.
